… As Fr Lt Nwokoye Buries Father in Awgbu
By Michael Nnebife
The atmosphere at Awgbu in Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State, was solemn as Rev Fr Lt Edwin Nwokoye buried his father, Mr Joseph Nwokoye, amid throngs of Catholic priests, religious men and women from Catholic dioceses across the state.
The solemn Mass, which took place at All Saints’ Catholic Church, Awgbu, on Thursday, October 16, 2026, also attracted throngs of associates of the Nwokoye family who included members of the Nigeria Army from 82 Division, Enugu, as well as friends and well-wishers of the family.
In a homily, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, who presided over the Mass, extolled the life and times of Pa Nwokoye.
Bishop Ezeokafor, who recalled his days when Pa Nwokoye was his parishioner, said he did his best in living out the Catholic Christian faith.
’When I am looking at Father (Fr Edwin) and his siblings, I see his figure. I was here as a Parish Priest from 1984 to 1989, so I know him. He was not that big, but he was a very simple and hardworking man.
’We know him as somebody who stood for the truth no matter what it cost,’ the Bishop said, and thanked God for the life of Pa Nwokoye, praying for his eternal rest in heaven.
He consoled his family, urging them to take solace not only in the fact that their patriarch lived well but also died at a ripe age of 82 in the Lord as a good Catholic.
The Chief Shepherd of Awka Diocese reminded the friends and well-wishers of the Nwokoye family who gathered for the Mass that death was a necessary end that must come.
’But I am not saying you will fold your arms and be waiting. No, we must live on, make a change to conquer the world.
’Live your life to make the world a better place and at the same time you should be looking at the other end that one day it will come,’ the Bishop advised.
In his remarks, one of the sons of Pa Nwokoye, Rev Fr Lt Edwin, expressed appreciation to the Bishop for presiding over the Mass; the Parish Priest, All Saints, Awgbu, Rev Fr Hyacinth Okafor, for his priestly care to his father; and the entire congregation, for paying their last homage to the father.
Fr Edwin, who also prayed God to forgive the shortcomings of his father and accept his soul for eternal repose, further expressed deep gratitude to all individuals that assisted him, especially in his journey of faith.
In an interview, he said his father tried much to live out the Christian faith he believed in.
’He tried much to bring us, his children, up through the grace of God, and set good example for us.
’His legacy is that he does not compromise truth no matter who is involved,’ Fr Edwin said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Catholic Men’s Organization, CMO, All Saints’ Church, Awgbu, Mr Ernest Obinkpuluaku, said Pa Nwokoye was a kindhearted man.
’He was known for patience and humility,’ the CMO Chairman said, and consoled the Nwokoye family, urging them to emulate the good qualities of life their patriarch lived.
Melodious renditions by the Military Band of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu; those of St Rita, Nigeria Federation of Catholic Students, Unizik Subchapter Choir; St Anthony’s Parish, Awka; and Awgbu Deanery Choir, intensified the solemnity of the Mass, which climaxed with interment and other funeral rites at Pa Nwokoye’s compound.
